This is the Danger of Giving Water to Babies

Provision of water for babies under the age of 6 months should not be done because there are more risks than benefits. After all, your baby's nutritional needs and body fluids are actually already fulfilled by breastfeeding or formula milk. Various health institutions recommend that babies should be given exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life. What is meant by exclusive breastfeeding is that babies are only given breast milk as their only nutritional intake and do not consume additional food or drinks, including water and juice. If exclusive breastfeeding is not possible for some reason, the baby can be given formula milk. However, the content in formula milk must be in accordance with the nutritional needs of babies at their age. To determine the suitable type of formula milk given to your child, you can consult further with your pediatrician.

Risks of Providing Water for Babies

If given water, babies under 6 months old can be at risk of experiencing several health problems, including:

1. Flatulence

Giving water to the baby can make the stomach feel bloated, because the digestive system has not been able to absorb fluids properly. Not only that, the newborn's stomach capacity is still not optimal, so it cannot accept too much fluid intake.

2. Diarrhea

If your baby consumes formula milk, use water that has been cooked until cooked with a temperature of at least 80 ° C, then cool before giving it to the baby. The use of unclean water can increase the risk of your baby getting diarrhea. If you use bottled water, be sure to look at the mineral content first. Do not choose mineral water that contains too much sodium or sulfate. Check the label on the water package and make sure the sodium (Na) level is not more than 200 mg per liter and the sulfate (SO or SO4) level is less than 250 mg per liter.

3. Water poisoning (water intoxication)

Although it rarely happens, giving too much water can cause your child to experience water poisoning. This happens when the level of salt (sodium) in the blood decreases too much, so that disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body. Symptoms that arise when a baby experiences water poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, and the body looks swollen. This condition needs to be watched out because it can make the baby spasm and even coma.

4. Malnutrition

Providing water can make the baby feel full, so his desire to drink breast milk or formula milk is reduced. This can make the baby not get enough nutrition from breast milk or formula for growth and development. As a result, Little is at risk of experiencing malnutrition and weight loss.

When Can Babies Drink Water?

New babies are allowed to be given water in the following situations and conditions:

• Dehydration

If your child is dehydrated, for example due to diarrhea, high fever, or vomiting, the doctor will usually recommend giving a special baby electrolyte drink. The goal is to replace the fluid and electrolyte lost from your baby's body.

• Thirst

After the age of 6 months, the baby may be given water when he is thirsty. However, it is recommended not to give it more than 8 tablespoons or half a glass of water per day. Continue to prioritize breastfeeding as the main nutritional intake even if the baby is over six months old.

• Can already consume complementary foods for breast milk

Babies may be given water after they are 6 months old and start eating solid food. However, some doctors may suggest delaying the provision of water to infants until the age of 1 year.

Not all drinks are suitable for babies and children, especially those under 6 months. In addition to water for babies, several other drinks, such as tea, soft drinks, juice, and coffee, are also not recommended for infants. If you are still confused with the rules of giving water or if your child experiences health problems after being given water, do not hesitate to consult with your pediatrician.